Great Falls tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1885-1890, 1887-05-14
THE FIRST STEAMBOAT.
The Arrival of The Rose of Helena
She Descends the Missouri
from Grand C,adyon. Is
from Grand Canyon.

! .
..1,he boat is coming!" Such was the
glad news that circulated through Great
Falls on Thursday morning. People ran
to the windows and balconies to desery the
tiny form of the ssRose OF Helena. as sha
rounded tie headiand and entered the
bay. Many persons fastened to the river
bank as the Rose gracefully steamed down
the broad Missouri and moored beside the
shore Bishop Brondel, Paris Gibson and
other leading citizens gave Judge Iilger
a hearty greeting as he stepped a>hore,
after this, the first, trip from the Gate of
the Mountains to Great Falls. The pub
lie were invited to examine the craft. Many
people hastened aboard and listened with
interest as Judge Hilger told how the
staunch Rose sailed boldly down the Half
Breed rapids and then proved her capacity
to make the return trip by ascending them
again.
Judge Hilger remained here until yes
terday, when he sailed homeward-
He intends to make regular trips from
Grand Canyon, where the boat will connect
with stage for Helena, which is only
eighteen miles distant.
The public were well pleased with the
outlines of the Rose, which was built of
steel in Dubuque, Iowa, and measures fifty
four feet by ten. She has a powerful en-
CINE, which is under the efficient manage
ment of Capt Reese, and well-conducted
wheel at the stern, which churns The water
into a frothy mass as she advances. Her
hull is strong and yet light She draws
only sixteen inches OF water and her en-
gineer has no misgivings when the skip
per cries out, 'smark twain" The Rose
has accommodation for fifty passengers,
who may enjoy the cool breezes of the
Missouri while protected by the ample
awning overhead. She carries large
skiff at her side and has an ample supply
of life belts A government certificate au-
tAorizes Judge Hilger to navigate her in
! these waters, while another certifes that
| she has fully complied with the law.
Judge Hilger said to a TRIBuNEr reporter:
aWe left the Grand Canyon in the Gate of
the Mountains at one O'Clock on Tuesday
and ran down to the Half-Breed rapids
that evening. We laid there over night
and in the morning placed stakes and lines
| on the island and ashore. At one o'clock
we steamed up to pass the rapids and went
over them easily. By two o'clock we had
passed the rapids and were at Gorham by
three. It was cloudy. We decided to
stop at the Old Mission for wood and lay
there over night. This morning we
steamed up again, and after pleasant trip
we arrived at Great Falls. This city has
made splendid start and has an excellent
location. I am greatly pleased with the
signs of progress which | see here on every
siden
Judge Hilger takes great pride in the
Rose. "she will go almost anywhere" " he
says. He intends to make regular trips
between here and the Grand Canyon,
which is only eighteen miles from Helena.
,, A stage line will connect that city with the
boat. Judge Hilger says that Col. Broad,
water has taken great interest in the sue
cess of the boat and intends that promin
" ent people connected with Great Falls and
the railroads shall take this route in order
to avoid stage riding.
. Capt. Reese is robust in size. He has 6
thorough knowledge of machinery and has
great confidence in the sailing merits Of
the Rose.